The worst part of "Healthy Forests"

[Larry Harrell]

lrlake at aol.com (Larry Lake) wrote in message news:<20040227141056.09990.00000461 at mb-m17.aol.com>...
> 
> Ian,
> 
> I have had about enough of your misunderstanding and bashing of basic forestry.
>  Most of the folks in this group understand very well, without need for
> references, basic forestry concepts.  Doctors don't need references to
> establish that bacteria cause infections.  Foresters don't need references when
> discussing stand conditions we all understand.
> 
> Frankly, I am surprised Larry has spent so much bandwith engaging in your
> rantings.  Perhaps if you were to "lurk" for a wile, you might learn something
> instead of arguing "by authority".  You see, your challenge for references,
> shows your ignorance of the basics of forestry; yet alt.forestry particpants
> actually know what is going on.  We are your references....listen and learn
> 
> As doctors learn about bacteria, foresters learn about stand structures and
> forest dynamics.  Just as doctors don't have to provide references re: the
> causes of infection, foresters need'nt provide references for obvious
> observations of forest dynamics, silviculture and ecology.
> 
> If anyone in this group were to make a false statement relative to forest
> management, others in this group would be the first to jump in their shit.
> 
> I know you will consider this an "argument by authority" and it is.  I am
> authorized by virtue of my education and experience to render a judgement on
> forestry issues; whether you like it or not.  No references needed...30 years
> of experience will do, thank you.
> 
> Larry
> 
> 
> Lawrence R. Lake, RPF
> Redding, CA

Very well said, except that Ian didn't see it. He's over there at
sci.environment playing expert on every subject. I'm again
cross-posting this so your message would have the proper impact.

Yes, we do continue to learn new things about our forest eco-systems.
Down here on the San Bernardino National Forest, I'm seeing the bark
beetle mortality and discovering an interesting effect. It's the old
growth near the drainages that's dying out the most. My hypothesis is
that those trees did not have to develop the deep root system that the
ridgetop or midslope trees have. Drought and competition are making
these streamside trees into the best targets for bark beetles. Once
the beetles have a foothold into these trees, they explode in numbers
and just overwhelm the borderline trees. Pine mortality is just
astounding down here and is even worse than the mortality I saw in the
early 90's in the Sierras. The closest mill won't touch the Coulter
pine and the fuel loading is at a maximum. I forsee future disaster
happening that will make last fall look like a BBQ.

Larry,     reporting from San Bernardino National Forest